Socceroos coach candidates contacted: FFA

Liam Fitzgibbon

Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop says feelers have already been put out to find Holger Osieck's replacement and an Australian coach could lead the Socceroos to the World Cup.

But Gallop was coy on Saturday on the possible candidates for the role following Osieck's sacking in Paris on Friday night.

Gallop said Osieck was informed of his dismissal at the team hotel shortly after a horror 6-0 loss to France, Australia's second successive loss of that scoreline in a month.

Internationals including Guus Hiddink and Gerrard Houllier have been linked with the vacant role while Australian coaches such as Ange Postecoglou and Graham Arnold are also believed to be in the frame.

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Gallop said it was the long-term preference to have an Australian coach but FFA would also consider international options for now.

He said it was inappropriate to say who had and hadn't been spoken to.

"It certainly makes sense to have an Australian coach but whether that makes sense right now, is something we need to look at seriously over the next few weeks," Gallop told AAP in Paris on Saturday.

"... It's not appropriate to go into who has been contacted and who hasn't but obviously some feelers have been put out.

"We're always exploring options and at the moment that's all we're doing.

"We'll hopefully have some definitive answers on that over the next few weeks.

"Certainly it's something we want to get along with straight away."

Gallop said whoever was appointed was have a strong focus on the Socceroos' long-term success, along with a competitive showing at next year's World Cup.

"This is about the need to rejuvenate, regenerate our team," Gallop said, adding there was an opportunity for a new coach to make significant changes before Brazil.

"We've got a lot to look forward to in the next month's and years.

"Obviously Brazil is important as is the Asian cup 2015 and ultimately we're want to be at the next world cup as well. This is a decision taken in the long-term interests of the team."

Gallop said Osieck was naturally disappointed with the decision that had rattled the playing group.

"It's a bit raw for the players," Gallop said.

"Obviously they've spent a lot of time with their coach but I'm very hopeful they'll realise this is about the future of the team and the future of Australian football."

Gallop denied FFA had already decided to sack Osieck before the loss to France but said the result, along with recent performances, were simply "not good enough".

Osieck was still at the team hotel in Paris on Saturday morning but declined media interviews.